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Topic: Blocks (Read 1238 times) previous topic - next topic

Blocks

Another one for future searches. I needed comfortable access to the rear. As other members have done I made up some drive-onto blocks. Each one has three pieces (4', 3', 2') for a total of 36' of 2X10s. This setup lifts the back 4 1/2" so along with the 12" Harbor Freight receiver hitch tubing the rig is nice and high and easy to work under.
jor

93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Blocks

Reply #1 –
Nice!
What is "12" Harbor Freight receiver hitch tubing" ?

Thanks,
Michael
Ex 2001 U295

Re: Blocks

Reply #2 –
It sure made my life easier when was welding underneath! ^.^d  I also screwed down wheel chocks to the outer two ramps to make it easier to place the tires where I wanted them. Once up on the ramps, I blocked the tires from behind... I didn't want any possibility of movement while I was underneath!
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Blocks

Reply #3 –
Michael,

You can buy 12" long 1/4" steel square tubing or a 12" Harbor Freight receiver hitch extension to use as a safety block.  You need at least 4 of them - some say you should use 8.  Sometimes one is cheaper or easier than the other to procure.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Blocks

Reply #4 –
When we "po' folk" on early coaches that had no leveling jacks, I'd made a set of those, as well.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Blocks

Reply #5 –
Wonder if 2" drilling pipe would work?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Blocks

Reply #7 –
Quote from: MichaelU295 –
Nice!
What is "12" Harbor Freight receiver hitch tubing" ?

Thanks,
Michael
Michael, I think this was a little confusing because 2 different issues are being addressed but it sounds like 1.  The wood blocks go under the tires.  The receiver hitches block vertically between the frame & wheel assemblies, next to each airbag, to maintain height when the air bags deflate.  4x4 fence posts cut to length can work as well.  Both combined keep the coach body raised high, safely.

Re: Blocks

Reply #8 –
Quote
What is "12" Harbor Freight receiver hitch tubing" ?

I should have been more clear in referring to the safety blocks. They are just like the one David referred to above. A little cheaper at Harbor Freight. As others have indicated, lots of different ways to do it. I like the HF tubes because they have a lip on one end which makes for a nice stable position and they are painted or powder coated.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Blocks

Reply #9 –
Awesome.  Thank you all.

Michael
Ex 2001 U295

Re: Blocks

Reply #10 –
Jor, so 12" will fit in there for safety blocks?  How thick is the HF tubes?

John
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Blocks

Reply #11 –
Northern Tool 2" square x 48" receiver tube is $24.99.  Three cuts and you have 4 safety stands (blocks) for  $6.25 each. Maybe some freight as well.  Free shipping to a store ner you (if there is one)

Ultra-Tow 2-Inch Standard Weld-On Receiver Tube with Collar — 48in. Length |...
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Blocks

Reply #12 –
Older thread on same subject of safety blocks:  Working Safely around your Foretravel 
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Blocks

Reply #13 –
To each their own.... ^.^d

4x4 post 7423 pounds vertical crush x 2 = 14846 per front wheel
4x6 post 11723 pounds vertical crush x 2 = 23446 per rear wheel

I used cedar which is higher.. and not wanting to max anything 10" rise
There typically more live weight in structures than a static-lift AND not an 8.5' measured for this illistration.

Therin, $12 bucks for an 8ft length

REFERENCE
https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/arch264/calculators/example7.1/
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My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Blocks

Reply #14 –
Quote from: John Morales –
Jor, so 12" will fit in there for safety blocks?  How thick is the HF tubes?

I'm not "jor," but the 12" Harbor Freight tubes fit well for me. They appear to be the same thickness as a typical receiver hitch.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Blocks

Reply #15 –
I went to a weld shop and had them cut (8) 2' x 2" x 1/8" square pipe pieces.  Total was about $45.

For reference, I just looked up the architectural column load rating  (Steel Tube Institute of NA) for a steel pipe 2" x'2" x 1/8" (actually 0.116") for a 1' long piece, and the allowable columnar load rating is 24 kips, or 24,000 lbs,  so 2 of the 8 blocks would support 48,000 lbs .  More than your total rig....
Dave and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM
 

Re: Blocks

Reply #16 –
Quote from: John44 –
Wonder if 2" drilling pipe would work?
It might, but the square tubing is more stable.  I had 11" pieces cut then spray painted them orange so they stand out when in place.  It also helps to remind me.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8